Your Puppy's First Vet Visit
Schedule your puppy's first vet visit within 48–72 hours of bringing them home. This visit establishes your relationship with your vet and confirms your puppy's health.
What to Bring
- Health records — We'll send you home with vaccination records and a health certificate from our vet.
- A stool sample — Your vet will check for parasites. Collect a fresh sample the morning of your appointment.
- Your puppy's food — The vet may want to see the brand and formula you're feeding.
- A list of questions — Write them down ahead of time so you don't forget in the moment.
- A leash and carrier — Your puppy's immune system isn't fully developed yet. Carry them through the waiting room or keep them on your lap.
What the Vet Will Do
- Full physical exam — Eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin, joints, teeth, and overall body condition
- Review vaccination history — Confirm what's been given and schedule what's next
- Fecal test — Check for intestinal parasites
- Discuss heartworm and flea/tick prevention — Your vet will recommend the right products for your area
- Answer your questions — Nothing is too small to ask
Vaccination Schedule
Standard poodle puppies typically follow this schedule (your vet may adjust based on your area):
| Age | Vaccinations |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) — 1st dose |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP — 2nd dose, Bordetella (if boarding/grooming) |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP — 3rd dose, Rabies |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster |
Optional vaccines (based on lifestyle and location):
- Leptospirosis — Recommended if your dog will be outdoors around wildlife or standing water
- Canine influenza — Recommended if your dog will be in boarding or daycare settings
- Lyme disease — Recommended in tick-heavy areas
Before Vaccinations Are Complete
Until your puppy has finished their full DHPP series (around 16 weeks), their immune system is still developing. During this time:
- Avoid dog parks and public areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been
- Socialization is still important — Carry your puppy to new environments, invite vaccinated dogs to your home, and expose them to new sounds and surfaces safely
- Puppy classes at facilities that require vaccination proof are generally safe and highly recommended
Building a Relationship with Your Vet
Find a vet you trust and stick with them. Consistent care means your vet knows your dog's baseline and can catch changes early. Don't hesitate to call between visits if something seems off.
Your puppy's first vet visit is quick and straightforward — it's also the start of a lifetime of keeping your poodle healthy and happy.